Pruritus Flashcards
1
Q
Mechanism of itch
A
Chemical mediators in skin: histamine, PGE2, serotonin, interleukin 2, substance P
Nerve transmission: unmyelinated C fibres
CNS mediators : opiates ( endogenous and exogenous)
2
Q
Causes of pruritus
A
Pruritoceptive : something in skin that triggers it ( inflammation or dryness)
Neuropathic : damaged to centre or peripheral nerve
Neurogenic : no evident damage to CNS, but itch caused by opiate effect on NHS receptor
Pschyogenic : physiological causes no with no CNS Damage
3
Q
Management
A
Determine the cause
Treat the cause
Anti - itch treatment : sedative anti - histamine, emollients, antidepressants, phototherapy, opiate antagonist e.g. ondansetron
